Valve and nozzle assembly

ABSTRACT

A one piece valve for controlling flow through a tubular nozzle. The valve includes a tubular portion slidably engaging the outer wall of the tubular nozzle and a dome shaped closure member positioned concentrically within the tubular portion of the valve by means of a series of radially extending ribs. The inner wall of the tubular portion of the valve is provided with cam followers which engage in cam grooves or slots in the outer wall of the tubular nozzle so that rotating the valve about the nozzle by means of outwardly projecting arms will cause the valve to move axially of the nozzle to bring the dome shaped closure member into sealing contact with the inner wall of the nozzle adjacent its lower end. The dome shaped closure member curves upwardly into the nozzle so that there is an increase in sealing force in response to the weight of the fluid acting on the closure member.

United States Patent 1 Weikert [54] VALVE AND NOZZLE ASSEMBLY [76] Inventor: Roy J. Weikert, c/o General Films lnc., Covington, Ohio [22] Filed: June 19, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 264,139

[52] US. Cl 239/539, 239/581, 251/252 [51] Int. Cl. F16k 31/524, F16k 31/528, BOSb 1/32 [58] Field of Search 239/53754l, 457,458,569, 570,579,581; 251/251, 252

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,403,056 1/1922 Noble 251/252 3,116,880 111964 Kuiken..... 239/539 3,684,240 8/1972 Steblin 251/252 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATIONS 76,261 8/1961 France 251/252 Aug. 7, 1973 et a1.

ABSTRACT A one piece valve for controlling flow through a tubular nozzle. The valve includes a tubular portion slidably engaging the outer wall of the tubular nozzle and a dome shaped closure member positioned concentrically within the tubular portion of the valve by means of a series of radially extending ribs. The inner wall of the tubular portion of the valve is provided with cam followers which engage in cam grooves or slots in the outer wall of the tubular nozzle so that rotating the valve about the nozzle by means of outwardly projecting arms will cause the valve to move axially of the nozzle to bring the dome shaped closure member into sealing contact with the inner wall of the nozzle adjacent its lower end. The dome shaped closure member curves upwardly into the nozzle so that there is an increase in sealing force in response to the weight of the fluid acting on the closure member.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEB FIG-2 FIG-l vALvE AND NOZZLE ASSEMBLY CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION PACKAGING MACHINE; Ser. No. 133,308; Filed Apr. 12,1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The above noted, related application discloses a packaging machine wherein a series of open mouth bags in web form are filled on a continuous basis by a series of transfer cans which move to a central hopper, pick up a charge of material, insert their nozzles into the open mouths of the bags, empty their contents through a valve assembly associated therewith into the bags, and then return to the central hopper for a fresh charge as the bags are sealed.

The nozzles of the transfer cans are long tubular members and the valves utilized to control flow through the nozzles include an outer tubular portion which slides along the outer wall of the nozzle, a cone shaped portion which projects upwardly and inwardly from the end of the tubular portion, a series of radially disposed outlets through the lower wall of the tubular portion and a deflecting collar which is formed as a separate piece and snap fitted onto the end of the tubular portion.

The outer wall of the nozzle is provided with one or more inclined cam slots which are engaged by inwardly projecting cam followers formed on the inner wall of the tubular portion of the valve. Outwardly projecting arms on the tubular portion of the valve are engaged by fingers as the transfer cans move through the machine to rotate the valve about the nozzle and, through the cam arrangement, cause relative axial movement of the valve members and the nozzle. This causes the cone shaped portion of the valve to make line contact with the lower, chamferred edge of the nozzle to seal the lower end of the nozzle against product flow.

Although the above system provides continuous, inline filling and sealing of bags with any desired flowable product, it will be apparent that successful operation of the valve requires close attention to the relative dimensions of the components of the valve and nozzle assembly. Thus, if there is not continuous line contact between the cone shaped portion of the valve and the lower edge of the nozzle about the entire circumference of the nozzle, leakage may occur. It will also be seen that if there is some mispositioning of the cam follower or slot, this may result in failure of the valve to close completely.

Additionally, it will be seen that with the radially disposed product outlets through the wall of the tubular SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a valve and nozzle assembly utilizing a one piece valve in which the product is ejected axially of the nozzle and valve and in which sealing between the valve and nozzle is accomplished by an interference fit between a dome shaped closure member and the inner surface of the nozzle adjacent one end thereof.

Thus, the valve includes a tubular portion, similar to the valve construction described in the above noted, related application, and cam followers on its inner surface and outwardly projecting arms to rotate the valve. However, unlike the construction of the above noted, related application, scaling is accomplished by an interference fit between the inner wall of the nozzle and an annular wall of a dome shaped closure member positioned concentrically within the tubular portion of the valve.

As a result, product flow is axial of the assembly, between the annular wall of the closure member and the itmer qt esq qtthetu larnqni .9 he. v lve... avoiding an abrupt turn and decreasing agitation of the product. Additionally, because of the dome shaped construction of the closure member the force or weight of the product pressing against the closure member will increase the sealing effect since it tends to flatten the dome and force the annular wall more tightly into engagement with the inner surface of the nozzle.

It will also be seen that the entire valve may be of molded one piece construction and since the product exits the valve axially thereof there isno need for a separate deflecting collar.

Thus, although the valve of the present invention provides the advantages listed above, it maybe readily substituted for the valve assembly utilized in the packaging machine of the above noted, related application with no modification of the remaining structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an exploded cross sectional view of a nozzle and valve assembly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the valve per se;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the valve;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the valve and nozzle assembly with the valve opened; and

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the valve in the closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it will be seen that the valve and nozzle assembly of the present invention includes a transfer can 10 having an elongated tubular nozzle 12 projecting downwardly from the lower end thereof and a valve 14 of one piece, molded construction. Preferably, at least the valve 14 is formed of a thermoplastic material such as nylon, although it will be obvious that other materials which provide the desired characteristics of limited flexibility and adaptability to molding may also be utilized.

Additionally, operating conditions will also influence the material selected. For example, not only must the material not be affected by the product being packaged, but also it must be reasonably resistant to such things as cleaning compounds used in cleaning the machine after use. This is particularly important when packaging such things asmilk, where sanitation is extremely important.

The valve itself, as best seen Illl FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a tubular portion 16 and a closure member 18. Carn followers 20, in the form of bead-like projections,

extend inwardly from the inner wall 22 of the tubular portion of the valve while outwardly projecting arms 24 extend outwardly of the tubular portion of the valve adjacent the upper end thereof.

The closure member 18 includes an annular wall 26 which tapers inwardly to a concavely curved portion 28 extending across the annular wall and curved inwardly away therefrom. A series of ribs 30 extend radially between the annular wall 26 of the closure member and the inner wall 22 of the tubular portion 14 and space the closure member concentrically within the tubular portion 16, thereby defining a series of flow passages 32 between the annular wall 26 and the lower end of the inner wall 22.

Referring back to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it will be seen that the nozzle 12 is provided with one or more cam slots, one of which is shown at 34, which extend axially and circumferentially about the outer wall of the nozzle. An axially extending slot 36 joins the slot 34 with a small, upwardly inclined detent 38 interposed therebetween.

With this construction, it will be seen that the beads may be engaged in the axially extending slots 36 as the valve 14 is slipped onto the nozzle 12, and when they have traveled to the upper end of the slots, the valve may be twisted and pulled down slightly to seat the cam followers in the detents 38. Thereafter rotation of the valve on the nozzle will cause the beads 20 to ride upwardly and downwardly in the slot 34 and open and close the valve. During this movement the detents 38 prevent the valve from becoming inadvertently separated from the nozzle.

In this regard, and with reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, it should be noted that the inclination of the cam slot is designed so that the amount of axial movement of the valve on the nozzle is such that the open area between the bottom of the nozzle and the closure member is at least equal to the total open area of the flow passages 32 to take full advantage of the maximum flow rate possible with a particular valve.

When the valve is in the closed position, as in FIG. 5, it will be seen that the annular wall 26 of the closure member makes an interference fit with an inner wall 39 of the nozzle adjacent its lower end, with the radiussed lower end 40 of the nozzle received in the annular pocket 42 betweenthe wall 26 and the inner surface 22 of the tubular portion 16 of the valve.

Preferably the outer circumference of the annular wall 26 is tapered inwardly toward the concave portion 28. This taper has a piloting effect which guides the closure member to the nozzle. Additionally, the taper of wall 26 actually enhances the oil can" effect of the dome shaped closure member and provide a gradual, as opposed to abrupt, increase in contact force between the annular wall and the inner surface of the nozzle to provide a tight seal at this point. Because of the concave portion 28 of the dome shaped closure member, however, even some slight deviation from this specification may be tolerated since the weight of the fluid acting on the portion 28 will tend to flatten it and press wall 26 into tight sealing engagement with the sealing nozzle. Also as a result of this feature, it will be seen that it is unnecessary to make contact with the lower end 42 of the nozzle to provide a fluid tight seal.

From the above, it will be seen that the present invention provides a valve and nozzle assembly utilizing a molded one-piece valve which does not depend upon line contact between the nozzle lower end and the valve to make a fluid tight seal and which provides an essentially axial flow from the assembly without the use of deflecting collars.

While the product herein described constitutesa preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise product, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A valve adapted to control flow through a tubular nozzle comprising:

a. means for slidably engaging an outer wall of said tubular nozzle,

b. a dome shaped closure member adapted to be received within said tubular nozzle in sealing engagement with an inner surface thereof adjacent one end thereof with said closure member curving concavely inwardly of said nozzle,

c. discontinuous interconnecting means extending between said outer wall engaging means and said closure member and positioning said closure member in spaced relationship to an inner surface of said nozzle outer wall engaging means and defining a flow passage therebetween.

2. The valve of claim 1 wherein said closure member includes:

a. an annular wall adapted to engage an inner surface of said tubular nozzle adjacent one end thereof, and

b. a concave wall extending across said annular wall and curving inwardly and away from said annular wall.

3. The valve of claim 2 wherein:

a. said annular wall tapers inwardly toward said concave wall.

4. The valve of claim 1 wherein:

a. said interconnecting means comprise a plurality of radially extending ribs.

5. The valve of claim 1 further comprising:

a. cam means on said means engaging an outer wall pf said nozzle and adapted to engage complementary cam means on said nozzle to cause axial movement of said closure member into and out of sealing engagement with an inner wall of said nozzle in response to relative rotation between said valve member and said nozzle.

6. The valve of claim 1 wherein:

a. said valve is of molded one-piece construction.

7. The valve of claim 1 wherein:

a. said closure member is positioned completely within said nozzle outer wall engaging means.

8. The valve of claim 1 wherein:

a. said nozzle outer wall engaging means comprises a tubular portion.

9. A one-piece valve and nozzle assembly comprising:

a. an elongated tubular nozzle,

b. a tubular valve portion slidably received on said nozzle,

c. a dome shaped closure member including an annular wall tapering inwardly to a concave portion formed integrally with and extending across said annular wall and curving inwardly away therefrom,

d. a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending ribs interconnecting said closure member and said tubular valve portion adjacent a lower end total open area between said valve and the lower end of said nozzle when said valve is fully open is at least equal to the open area of said flow path between said closure member and said tubular valve member, and

h. turning arms projecting outwardly of said tubular valve member. 

1. A valve adapted to control flow through a tubular nozzle comprising: a. means for slidably engaging an outer wall of said tubular nozzle, b. a dome shaped closure member adapted to be received within said tubular nozzle in sealing engagement wIth an inner surface thereof adjacent one end thereof with said closure member curving concavely inwardly of said nozzle, c. discontinuous interconnecting means extending between said outer wall engaging means and said closure member and positioning said closure member in spaced relationship to an inner surface of said nozzle outer wall engaging means and defining a flow passage therebetween.
 2. The valve of claim 1 wherein said closure member includes: a. an annular wall adapted to engage an inner surface of said tubular nozzle adjacent one end thereof, and b. a concave wall extending across said annular wall and curving inwardly and away from said annular wall.
 3. The valve of claim 2 wherein: a. said annular wall tapers inwardly toward said concave wall.
 4. The valve of claim 1 wherein: a. said interconnecting means comprise a plurality of radially extending ribs.
 5. The valve of claim 1 further comprising: a. cam means on said means engaging an outer wall pf said nozzle and adapted to engage complementary cam means on said nozzle to cause axial movement of said closure member into and out of sealing engagement with an inner wall of said nozzle in response to relative rotation between said valve member and said nozzle.
 6. The valve of claim 1 wherein: a. said valve is of molded one-piece construction.
 7. The valve of claim 1 wherein: a. said closure member is positioned completely within said nozzle outer wall engaging means.
 8. The valve of claim 1 wherein: a. said nozzle outer wall engaging means comprises a tubular portion.
 9. A one-piece valve and nozzle assembly comprising: a. an elongated tubular nozzle, b. a tubular valve portion slidably received on said nozzle, c. a dome shaped closure member including an annular wall tapering inwardly to a concave portion formed integrally with and extending across said annular wall and curving inwardly away therefrom, d. a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending ribs interconnecting said closure member and said tubular valve portion adjacent a lower end thereof and defining axial flow paths therebetween, e. means defining an inclined cam slot in an outer surface of said nozzle extending axially and circumferentially thereof, f. means defining a cam follower projecting inwardly of said tubular valve member and engaging said cam slot, g. the inclination of said cam slot being such that the total open area between said valve and the lower end of said nozzle when said valve is fully open is at least equal to the open area of said flow path between said closure member and said tubular valve member, and h. turning arms projecting outwardly of said tubular valve member. 